I work in cloth, using soft sculpture techniques,
with a cotton knit "skin." I generally use wooden ball joints in the knees,
shoulders, elbows, and wrists, with wires in the fingers so the dolls can
be posed in different positions. They are stuffed with wool, which I believe
gives them a natural warmth. My cloth-constructed, stuffed hair has become
a personal signature feature of most of my pieces. This technique allows
for more creativity in designing hair styles, and adds an element of pattern
and color that compliments the costuming.

I find cloth dolls particularly seductive, and am
interested in maintaining the integrity of the fiber medium as much as
possible, by embroidering instead of painting features, creating cloth
hair, stuffed cloth bows and accessories, and covering the bases of the
custom-made metal saddle-stands with cloth.

For costuming, I am most interested in cloth of
natural fibers in varying weights, textures, and weaves. I use some antique
fabric, such as old drapes, linens, or handkerchiefs, and some new. I mainly
use patterned pieces; I especially like large prints that most people don't
associate with doll clothes.

For this and other reasons, I work in a relatively large
scale. Most of my dolls are between 25 and 27 inches tall (63-68
cm).

Costume designs come directly from my imagination
(borrowing ideas from many diverse influences), and usually aren't intended
to represent any particular period or style.